New anti-hate crime app is launched

The average person uses their smartphone for five hours a day - about a third of the time they are awake

Published:16:10Thursday 12 May 2016

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A new smartphone app has been launched making it easier than ever to report homophobic and hate crimes in Kirklees.

The new service launches on May 17 to coincide with International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHO).

IDAHO aims to tackle prejudice and discrimination and promote the rights of lesbian and gay people.

The new app, which has been funded thanks to a grant from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, lets people report hate crime incidents on the go, as soon as they happen.

The app is free to download and links directly to an online facility to report hate crime and incidents.

The person who reports the incident has a choice of which agencies the report is sent to, such as the council, police, housing, victim support and others.

The intention is to give a faster response to reports via the app.

Carol Gilchrist, Kirklees Council’s Head of Safe and Cohesive Communities, said: “We want to help communities and individuals understand what hate crime is and encourage victims and witnesses to report it.

“This new app will help us reach out to those at risk and allow victims to report hate crime 24/7, wherever they are.

“Reporting hate crime can be quite daunting so we wanted to make reporting as easy and accessible as possible.”